The barbecue judging at the Roots ‘N’ Blues ‘N’ BBQ Festival has commenced.

In the judges’ tent, the judges were amiably chatting before the first competitors submitted their barbecue. Fifty judges inspected the food of fifty candidates, each cooking four styles: chicken, pork ribs, pulled pork and brisket.

Floyd Durk will be judging table 8. Like all the judges, he is certified by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. The society has a strict protocol to avoid favoritism and conflicts of interests.